- Author
- Pielert, J. H. | Chapman, R. E. | Hall, W. G.
- Title
- Application of an Equivalency Methodology to Building Rehabilitation: A Pilot Study.
- Coporate
- National Bureau of Standards, Washington, DC
- Report
- NBSIR 81-2416, January 1982,
- Distribution
- Available from National Technical Information Service
- Keywords
- housing studies; rehabilitation; building codes; renovating; public health; design; regulations; requirements; residential buildings
- Abstract
- With increased emphasis on the re-use of existing buildings, new approaches must be developed to assist regulators in making code related decisions. The application of performance criteria to building rehabilitation provides flexibility in the use of technically sound design alternatives in lieu of prescriptive provisions which may be restrictive. This report presents the results of a pilot study on the application of an equivalency methodology in achieving regulatory compliance. The use of such a methodology is particularly attractive in this area because prescriptive type provisions have been shown to constrain rehabilitation activities, and in some cases, may be mutually contradictory. Regulatory requirements were chosen so as to explicitly incorporate conflicting requirements as affecting the design of windows and doors -- illumination, ventilation, egress and security. The methodology is computerized to allow the selection of least-cost means of achieving compliance with these requirements. A prototypical townhouse is evaluated using the pilot equivalency methodology and optimal compliance strategies are identified and compared with the cost of prescriptive compliance. The results of the study produced potential savings ranging from 20 to 35 percent depending on the initial conditions of the building.